The Traveling Praters presents Travel Inspired Living.
It would be really hard to choose only one thing that I loved about our Alaskan cruise, but I would have to say that the quaint, historic town of Skagway is certainly a top contender!
Skagway, Alaska is a tiny little town with a population of less than one thousand. Surprisingly, it is also a very busy port during the cruising season and can host up to seven cruise ships in one day, surviving almost entirely on the tourism industry.
Skagway was our first stop and the first time my family has ever set foot on Alaskan soil, though I hope it is not the last. In fact, Skagway is one of the reasons that I’d LOVE to return to Alaska.
There were many excursions that we could have selected that would have allowed us to see more of the area, but we opted to explore the community on our own…and for FREE.
Five Free Things to do in Skagway Alaska
I did a bit of research prior to our trip so I had a couple ideas in mind of where we wanted to visit but there is one thing that I always try to keep in mind: Locals know best. So, our first stop, which is actually #1 on my list of places to visit in Skagway was the Visitors Center.
1. The Visitors Center a.k.a. Arctic Brotherhood Hall is a rather curious building that you simply can’t pass by without giving a second glance. Adorned with 8,833 pieces of driftwood, this building is said to be one of Alaska’s most photographed buildings. Clearly you can see why.
Not only were we able to get an up close look at the building, but the wonderful ladies in the Visitor’s Center gave us some great ideas to aid in our exploration of Skagway.
2. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park.
I loved the turn of the century facades of the buildings downtown and the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park is no exception. Housed in the historic Railroad Building, thousands of visitors stop at this National Park Site each year to learn about the Alaskan Gold Rush, and where better to learn than in Skagway, the gateway to the Klondike?
This exhibit shows the supplies that each prospector were required to pack for the journey into the Yukon- weighing nearly 1,000 pounds!
Inside, you may choose to view a short 30 minute movie that offers an overview of the area and gold rush, or view some of the exhibits. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park also encompasses an area of seven historic blocks in downtown Skagway. You can continue to learn about the gold rush days on one of several free, 50-minute walking tours that the National Park Service offers several times each day.
3. The Gold Camp Cemetery is in easy walking distance of downtown (4 mile round trip hike from town) and boasts the “Largest Nugget in the World”.
Not all prospectors were honest men and with the lure of money came the gamblers, thieves, cutthroats and murderers, some of which are buried in the Gold Camp Cemetery.
If you continue through the cemetery for 1/4 of a mile you can also see Reid Falls. Unfortunately, my family couldn’t be persuaded to walk any further.
4. Yakutania Point and Smugglers Cove are both a short easy hikes from downtown and offer views you won’t want to miss. I could have sat and enjoyed the amazing scenery for hours and probably would have had it not begun to rain. I also wanted to make sure that my family did not miss #5 on my list.
5. The Broadway Dock is the place to be during high tide during salmon spawning season and probably my families FAVORITE memory from Skagway. As the tide comes in, so do the hungry harbor seals seeking a dinner of …you guessed it…. salmon. Of course, if you prefer not to watch the seal hunting and feeding on salmon, you may opt to visit Pullen Park where you can view the salmon swim upstream without fear of being eaten. By seals anyway…
Sometimes we go on vacation and look back and wish that we could change things and though I wish I could change plenty about our cruise and trip to Alaska, our day in Skagway was perfect.
Have you been to Skagway? What would you add to the list?
Other posts you’ll enjoy:
35 Things to do with Teens in NYC
100’s of Things to do in Ohio
Exploring Circleville, Ohio
Crepe Erase Review
© 2011 – 2019, Tonya Prater. All rights reserved.
Audrey says
Hi, we are five ladies over 65 and going on a cruise in Sept. One lady is handicap she can walk a little can we get wheelchair at any of the places you mentioned?
Tonya says
Hi Audrey, I’m sorry, but I really don’t know the answer to that question. The walk to town from the ports isn’t too far, but if she has mobility challenges, I would suggest she take her wheelchair onto the ship so she has it when she gets off. She can call the cruise line that you’re booked with and they could offer further assistance.
JOYCE says
LIST BY TOUR COMPANY INCLUDES::::: JUNEAU
WHICH ONE OF THESE THREE WOULD YOU PICK. I CAN ONLY CHOSE ONE…….
DOG SLED AND HELICOPTER FLIGHT
HELICOPTER AND GLACIER WALK
JET BOAT WHALE WATCHING
I AM THINKING OF DOING MISTY FJORDES IN KETCHIKAN AND SKAGWAY TOUR AND SUMMIT OVERLOOK.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE MISTY FIORDS FLIGHTSEEING IN KETKICAN?
Tonya says
My family didn’t do any excursions when we were in Alaska (though I would have loved to) so I really can’t answer your question. I would suggest that you visit http://www.cruisecritic.com. I found it extremely helpful when I was planning our trip.
Holly says
Hi Tonya! So glad I found your Blog! We are not into cruise ships, ugh! We have traveled all over the world scuba diving and tend to stay in local B&B’s or 8-10 room motels and venture out on our own. But we are being offered a “free” trip from a client through my husbands company as a gift. At first I told him no way, lol, we did a Carnival cruise for our honeymoon back in 2008 and I vowed never to go on another. But then he said “Alaska” and knew it was on my bucket list! Since it is a free trip, we are willing to spend $$ to do some excursions. If you had to pick one “thing” at each port that would be something you really wanted to do, but couldn’t, what would they be?? If he is dragging me on a cruise boat, he will be paying for me “on land” LOL. I have written down your itinerary and we plan on following in your footsteps, but I want to do at least 1 big thing on the trip! Even if we only do 1 😉 Thanks again for your site!! Leaned so much!! Now i can’t wait to go to Alaska!!
Tonya says
Hi Holly, I’m glad you found this post helpful. If we had it to do over, we would have done the train ride in Skagway- http://wpyr.com/. The glacier field tour in Juneau and in Ketchikan. Hope this helps, and if you have any questions, please feel free to email ([email protected]) or leave another comment. Have fun, and by all means, if someone wanted to give me a free cruise, I’d be willing to give it another try. 🙂
Cheri says
Thanks for making sense of this. Shore excursions are so confusing to sort out. I found you through Pinterest.
Tonya says
I’m glad you found this helpful, Cheri! Let me know if you have any questions.
Tonya Caldwell says
I am blessed to say that I live in Skagway year round. Growing up in the south, I always thought that Alaska was cold and had nothing but snow year round. My husband grew up all over AK , his dad was a bush pilot .
When we had the chance to move up here, we jumped on it! After living here for almost 4 years, I can honestly say that I will never want to live anywhere else. This is a wonderful little town full of amazing people. During the summer, yes, it can get rather hectic, but, with the tourist season comes the warm weather and longer days! I must add to your list, The Day’s of ’98 show. The cast is amazing and the show is one that is not easily forgotten. It doesn’t cost much and is a must see! A free be would be to just sit on the bench in front of the post office. I’m sure a local or 2 will be sitting there, enjoying the sun ( when it’s out and not raining ) and ready to offer up any help or information you may need, not to mention , they probably have some great stories to offer up !
Tonya says
Skagway was our first stop on our cruise and that may not have been a good thing. Skagway was so beautiful and enjoyable that it raised the bar of our expectations. I really hope that I’m able to visit again. And if I do, I won’t miss The Day’s of ’98. And I’ll be sure to swing by the post office to see if I can find a couple locals to chat with. Thanks for sharing!
Phyllis Stewart says
We are going to be in Skagway on May 30, 2016 as it will be day 4 of our cruise. What is the weather usually like for that time of year? There will be 10 of us ranging from 8 to 75! I think some of the hiking would be great for most of the group. What are the “must see” hikes?
Thanks!
Sherri Moore says
I can’t wait! I’m leaving on my Alaskan cruise in just 2 weeks. I’m glad I found this site. The information you gave was great. I can’t wait!!!
Tonya says
Have a great time, Sherri! Pack a great camera, a pair or binoculars, rain ponchos (and/or umbrella) and a light blanket to wrap around yourself when you sit on deck watching the wildlife. I hope you have an amazing time and glad I could give you some ideas.
Candy Beckman says
Our cruise leaves Aug 11th, this is our first (and our honeymoon). Can you tell us what you did on your excursions, what you recommend on the cruise and any advice? I would love to hear about it!!!
Tonya says
Tips? Pack a camera, a great pair of binoculars, a light jacket and a lap blanket to wrap up in on deck (or on your balcony). Dress comfortably, relax and enjoy. We went on the cruise during an incredibly stressful time so it was a perfect way for us to relax. We didn’t take any excursions on our Alaska cruise. You already read what we did in Skagway. In Juneau, it rained terribly. We spent a couple hours at the State Museum and called it a day. In Ketchikan we walked around downtown- went in a few shops, saw the salmon swimming upstream behind the library and walked out of town a ways to see eagles nesting. Unfortunately, we didn’t find the eagles. Excursions I would suggest- the train in Skagway. The glacier in Juneau and the rainforest and totem poles in Ketchikan. Alaska is beautiful! You’ll have a great time. If you have other questions, feel free to ask.
Living Outside of the Box says
Oh my goodness…you guys REALLY didn’t go see Reid Falls? It is a small 5 minute walk from the cemetery–and not all that uphill, either. SERIOUSLY!! And beautiful! What a shame!
Oh well…save it for next time!
Charlotte says
I live in & love Skagway, thx 4 all the great comments! Natl Park also offers free walking tour map that takes you around to the historic homes & out of commercial area. Also more rigorous hike Lower Lake, hike just half hour up the mountain side. Most popular hike for the locals.
Tonya @ Live the Adventure says
I really think our stop in Skagway made our trip- I enjoyed it that much. If we ever go back to explore a bit more my husband would like to check out the gold fields and the long train ride appealed to me. I've heard it is pretty amazing.
Mary @ The World Is A Book says
We loved Alaska too! I'll keep this list in mind the next time we cruise into Skagway. We missed this port on our last cruise. The one thing we did in Skagway the only time we were there was the White Pass/Yukon Route scenic train ride. It was spectacular! Glad to see you had a great time.
Tonya @ Live the Adventure says
Hi Jamie! Thanks for stopping by! I LOVED seeing Alaska, but I did not love the cruise. My husband and I decided that if we ever go back we'll pick where we'd like to visit and go on our own. In fact, we both wish we would have done that to begin with. Oh well, live and learn, huh? I'm glad that we were able to see what we did. Skagway was by far the BEST!
Jamie Worley says
I've always wanted to go on an Alaskan cruise! My mom went once, and they did stop, but I don't think she got to see all of this.
Tonya @ Live the Adventure says
Thanks, Cindy! 🙂 You should have seen me trying to get a picture of the building without other people in the photo! Finally I had to settle with LESS people in the photo. 🙂
GAHCindy says
What an amazing place to go! I love the driftwood-covered building. Wow.